A "Touchy" Subject

Home sellers can use a little 'design psychology' to create spaces that appeal to the 5 senses of their prospective buyers - by doing so, it is actually possible to elicit overwhelmingly positive emotional responses to your home. Of course the emotional response we're looking for is the BUYING response!

In previous posts I've explained ways to appeal to the senses of sight, smell and hearing..... because what buyers see, smell and hear can either make them feel really good or really bad about your house. And we can't ever lose sight of the fact that prospects who feel good in your house are much more likely to buy it.

Today I will discuss ways sellers can employ the sense of TOUCH to make a house more appealing to prospective buyers. Start by taking a look at all the TEXTURES throughout your home. You can create more insterest in a space by accentuating those textures that are especially pleasant to touch and by adding more of them wherever possible.

Artwork, window treatments, upholstery, countertops, carpeting and other flooring surfaces all appeal to a prospect's sense of touch. Give some thought to how you want people to FEEL when they enter a space.....

Chenille, velvet, silk and satin ooze luxury while sturdy cottons make a space feel more casual. Hardwood surfaces give the feeling of durability. Leather brings to mind stability and practicality. Wool fabrics will typically add a feeling of warmth. These are all potentially POSITIVE emotional responses a prospect may experience when entering a space - and the more of them they have the better! Add more texture to your rooms with things like new bedding, throw pillows, greenery, area rugs, afghans and countless other accessories - but don't get carried away - too much will just look cluttered!

This bedroom has the perfect blend of textures.....

Without the area rug the room would be all about the wood and metal, which would feel very cold and hard. See how the afghan adds warmth while the curtains and upholstery add just the right amount of softness? Did you notice how you don't have to actually touch them to sense how luxurious they are?

What do you think of this foyer?

It's beautiful BUT I think it could be improved. What is one thing that could make this space even better?

For more information on the subject of appealing to buyers' 5 senses read my other posts from this 5 part series.....

Karen Bernetti is a Real Estate Stager,Former Realtor®, Author, Speaker, and Owner of Staging4Smooth Transitions - specializing in assisting seniors with their downsize moves and offering Home2Home Transitionsseminars. Karen is also the Social Media Manager and Administrative Coordinator for Prudential CT Realty, in Madison, CT and Co-creator of the Ready2Sellin30Days System - an interactive multi-media program teaching do-it-yourself homeowners EVERYHTING they need to know about preparing a home for sale. Stay up to date on the latest staging and home decor trends by visiting Karen & Ann's Home Sale Success Blog.

Karen- excellent post with even better explanations. You're so right about the rug in the bedroom. It not only anchors the bed but adds something to the hardwood and metal. Without it, the room is ok... with it, the room now has personality.

Karen - I think adding different textures is so important in good design and staging - makes it more interesting. I think the foyer needs some art - a focal point that draws your eye in giving you something of interest getting your attention.

Just dropping back by to give you a virtual hug. Actually it is a REAL hug, its just a NON-traditional kind of hug! (((HHHUUUGGG))) it takes a little more effort than a traditional hug, but very much worth the effort! There! Did you feel it? XOXO ♥ I hope so!

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